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Top 30 ABA Therapist Interview Questions with Full Content
1.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
When an interviewer asks an open ended question like this, it can be difficult to know where to begin...and end! This question haunts many individuals who may accidentally go a little too in depth into their personal lives. It happens. Keep your reply light, and work relevant. Share how you became interested in this career path and what you enjoy about it. This is a great opportunity to describe yourself by discussing the strengths and qualities that you bring.
Rachelle's Answer #1
"I am a competitive individual who is driven and likes to win. In addition to my successful career in behavioral therapy, I also spend time playing competitive sports. I give back by volunteering at the local animal shelter and working for a variety of annual fundraisers in our community."
Rachelle's Answer #2
"I am a very active individual who loves to workout and go to the mountains on the weekend. I feel that my level of activity on my off time greatly improves my concentration during the week. I have a high amount of energy to offer my patients."
2.
What are the four basic schedules of reinforcement?
As an ABA Therapist, you know that the four basic schedules of reinforcement refer to the frequency with which a patient receives reinforcement (or a reward) for performing the desired behavior. You can go ahead and answer this question in textbook fashion but have an example handy just in case the interviewer wants you to go into your answer just a bit more.
Rachelle's Answer #1
"The four basic schedules of reinforcement are Fixed-Ratio Schedule, Fixed Interval Schedule, Variable-Ratio schedule and Variable-Interval schedule. I like to use a fixed ratio schedule when working with my patients. Last week I rewarded a patient with a sticker every 3 times they tied their shoes correctly."
Rachelle's Answer #2
"From my understanding, the four basic schedules of reinforcement are Fixed-Ratio Schedule, Fixed Interval Schedule, Variable-Ratio schedule and Variable-Interval schedule. I plan to try using all 4 methods with most patients. I am sure that once I become more experienced, I will learn which methods work best for which patients."
3.
What do you like most about your current position?
As an ABA Therapist, what makes you want to go to work each day? Perhaps it is the team that you are a part of or, the excitement of a new case every day. Relay to the interviewer what you like best about your current role. Even if you need to dig deep, you should come up with something positive about your current position.
Rachelle's Answer #1
"In my current position, I work with a team of very talented therapists. I look forward to meeting the team here and building exciting new working relationships."
Rachelle's Answer #2
"The thing that I enjoy most about my current position is that I learn something new every day; whether from a patient or a fellow co-worker. I enjoy learning new skills, tools, and ways to treat my patients. I am very much looking forward to doing the same with your organization."
4.
What questions do you have for us?
Now is your time to get answers to your questions that have come up based on your grueling interview. Steer clear of salary, benefit and other questions that might make you sound pushy or that you are trying to negotiate the terms of a job that hasn't been offered to you yet. Take this time to clarify questions of what hours you will be working, what type of patients they see most of and why the interviewer enjoys working for this hospital or facility.
Rachelle's Answer #1
"Thank you for asking - I do have a few questions. What is top of mind when it comes to filling this role? In addition, what types of career growth opportunities would follow this position? And lastly, do you have internal candidates who are also interviewing for this position?"
Rachelle's Answer #2
"Here are some sample questions:
- When would you like to have this position filled?
- How long has this role been vacant?
- Is this a replacement search or a newly created role?
- What is your favorite part about working here?
- What is the facility's primary goal for this position in the next 12 months?
- Is there anything from my background and experience that I can clarify for you?
- What do you see as the biggest change in this industry over the past 3 years?
- Is there any reason why you would not hire me?"
- When would you like to have this position filled?
- How long has this role been vacant?
- Is this a replacement search or a newly created role?
- What is your favorite part about working here?
- What is the facility's primary goal for this position in the next 12 months?
- Is there anything from my background and experience that I can clarify for you?
- What do you see as the biggest change in this industry over the past 3 years?
- Is there any reason why you would not hire me?"
5.
What is one skill you would like to improve upon?
In this situation, the famous 'what is a weakness' question has been re-worded. The interviewer wants to know what skills you have and which ones you are working to improve upon.
Rachelle's Answer #1
"Public speaking has always been a weakness of mine. I've asked my current supervisor to keep me in mind whenever there is an opportunity to address a group of people so I can work on making this one of my strengths."
Rachelle's Answer #2
"My handwriting is horrible. When it comes times to transcribe my notes from a session, sometimes I find it difficult to read. Reminding myself that it isn't a race, and that it will be easier if I take a few extra minutes to take notes, has helped me to improve."
6.
What are your salary expectations?
The compensation question can be very difficult to answer. It's always best to start with what you are currently earning and then discuss what your future compensation goals look like. Be open, and honest. Transparency is the best choice when salary based questions arise.
Rachelle's Answer #1
"Currently, I earn a base salary of $45,000 per year and I would like to stay in the same range or slightly higher."
Rachelle's Answer #2
"After researching the area, the salary range looks to be between $50k and $60k per year. As a new ABA Therapist, I'm hoping to start around $50k."
7.
How do you deal in uncomfortable situations?
Often, our work environment holds the possibility for awkward or tense situations. It can be difficult to know how to respond when you have a coworker who is moody, or when your coworker lacks social skills and constantly asks inappropriate questions. The interviewer wants to know that you can keep your cool in situations like these.
Rachelle's Answer #1
"I have had my share of awkward situations, and having raised 2 kids, I am no stranger to them! In the workplace, if an uncomfortable situation arises I tend to face the issue head on, but in a tactful way. Sweeping things under the rug rarely helps. I have no problem being open with my team or colleagues if I am not feeling comfortable in a particular situation."
Rachelle's Answer #2
"I try to avoid conflict, but I have a high tolerance for discomfort. I've learned to try to let the people in question sort it out, but have no problem rolling up my sleeves and diving in to help mediate the problem."
8.
How do you deal with work stress?
ABA Therapy can be an emotionally draining job. How do you get away from it all and relax? Perhaps you practice yoga, go to the gym, have a steam room, or go to the beach on the weekends. Avoid saying that you don't have any work related stress because, we all do, to varying degrees. Instead, tell the interviewer that you welcome and thrive on a little bit of work stress. Work stress can motivate us and make our day more interesting.
Rachelle's Answer #1
"I handle stress very well and when you call my references, they will attest to this fact. When I am under pressure on the job, I focus on the task at hand and make sure to not get distracted. Staying on deadline with my treatment plans is very helpful and I will delegate when necessary to alleviate some stress."
Rachelle's Answer #2
"Stress is part of any demanding job and I will embrace it to the fullest. I take good care of myself personally and have learned how to prioritize my workload to maintain a healthy balance in my stress levels."
9.
When have you worked among a diverse group of people?
Are you accustomed to working with a very large or diverse team of individuals? Assure the interviewer that you are able to handle an environment that offers diversity.
Rachelle's Answer #1
"I have worked with diverse groups of people most of my career, including my time in University. I am most comfortable, and happy, in this type of environment because it offers a great learning opportunity."
Rachelle's Answer #2
"In my current role, I work alongside cross functional teams regularly. There has been a lot of diversity during my time in University, and my practicum as well. I fully embrace diversity."
10.
Describe your working relationship with your previous or current colleagues.
When you answer this question be sure to remain positive, even if the experience wasn't. Avoid talking about any previous drama and do not speak poorly of your colleagues.
If you had a good relationship with your previous colleagues: "I get along well with most personalities. My colleagues were great team players and we would often meet up after work for drinks or team activities."
If you did not have a good relationship with your previous colleagues: "I have had better relationships in the past but we did the best that we could. Our communication styles were all very different which made it challenging at times."
If you had a good relationship with your previous colleagues: "I get along well with most personalities. My colleagues were great team players and we would often meet up after work for drinks or team activities."
If you did not have a good relationship with your previous colleagues: "I have had better relationships in the past but we did the best that we could. Our communication styles were all very different which made it challenging at times."
Rachelle's Answer #1
"I get along well with most personalities. My colleagues were great team players and we would often meet up after work for drinks or team activities."
Rachelle's Answer #2
"I get along with just about everyone that I work with. I respect other people's knowledge, experience, and opinion, even if I don't agree. I think that is why I am able to work with most anyone."
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More Interview Q&As
Explore expert tips and resources to be more confident in your next interview.
Behavioral
Common
Phone
Tough
Leadership
All Interview Topics
All Career Q&As
Abdominal Sonographer
Accounting
Addiction Therapist
Behavioral Health Technician
Clinical Research
Family Physician
Health Educator
Health Information Technician
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Psychologist
Residency
Social Work
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